Today’s News

Discovery Announces Scripted Robert Redford Series, Nik Wallenda Special and More

Discovery Channel is getting into the scripted business with a new series about the Old West from Robert Redford.

Announced as part of Thursday's Discovery Communications upfront presentation, the network is launching The West, a series spanning 40 years between the end of the Civil War and after the turn of the 20th century. The series, from Redford's Sundance Productions and Stephen David Entertainment, will feature famous characters from American History, including Jesse James, Wyatt Earp and Buffalo Bill.

The network also announced a follow-up to Nik Wallenda's tightrope walk over the Grand Canyon. The 35-year-old will take on the Chicago skyline in a special this fall.

"I am excited about Discovery's Upfront programming slate with even bigger live events, including our follow up to Skywire Live," Eileen O'Neill, president of Discovery, Science and Velocity networks, said in a statement. "This past year has been filled with history making live events, landmark original programming, scripted programs, compelling characters and amazing storytelling. Our next year will be epic."